Flying to New Orleans:
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located in Kenner, Louisiana, about 20 minutes from the New Orleans Central Business District. The New Orleans Airport has one main terminal with four concourses and is very easy to navigate. The baggage claim is located on the lower level.
Rail Travel:
The Amtrak Union Station is located at 1001 Loyola Avenue. New Orleans is served by three Amtrak routes. The City of New Orleans runs between Chicago and New Orleans. The Crescent runs between New York and New Orleans with stops in Washington D.C. and Atlanta. The Sunset Limited runs west between Los Angles and New Orleans.
Public Transportation and Taxi:
New Orleans has a fantastic public bus service. Rides are only $1.25. If public transportation is your main source for getting around, you will want to invest in a VisiTour Pass. Sold by VisiTour vendors, a one-day unlimited-rides pass is $5.00 and a three-day pass is $12.00. Your hotel will be able to assist you in finding the nearest vendor.
Greyhound serves the Downtown Bus Station at 101 Loyola Avenue. There are several bus routes taking passengers from New Orleans to other U.S. cities and towns.
Taxis can be found throughout the French Quarter and many hotels have taxi lines. Expect to pay more during Mardi Gras and other occasions bringing a lot of people to the city such as the Jazz Festival held every May and major college and professional sporting events.
Driving:
New Orleans sits south of Lake Pontchartrain and north of the Mississippi River. The Pontchartrain Expressway runs south from I-10 and by the Convention Center before turning into the Crescent City Connection Toll Bridge which crosses the Mississippi River. Driving in New Orleans can be very confusing. Especially in the French Quarter. In fact, renting a car in New Orleans is not necessary if you are planning to stay in the French Quarter since most attractions are within walking distance of the hotels and there is great public transportation. If you do drive, be prepared for the French Quarter's narrow and one-way streets. Parking can be hard to come by, especially on the weekends and during events in the city centre. Parking violations will result in a fine.